Premenstrual syndrome and traumatic childbirth perception: the role of childhood abuse, neglect history and taking reproductive health course: a cross-sectional study in Turkey

Abstract

Introduction Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and the perception of childbirth as traumatic are significant phenomena that can negatively impact women's psychological well-being, particularly during adolescence-a period marked by heightened emotional and physiological sensitivity. Emerging evidence suggests that early adverse experiences, especially childhood trauma, neglect, and various forms of abuse, may shape both the severity of PMS symptoms and the way childbirth is cognitively and emotionally perceived. In light of this, the present study aims to examine the mediating role of childhood trauma-including the type and nature of neglect and abuse-in the relationship between PMS and traumatic childbirth perception among adolescent women. Method This study was designed as quantitative, cross-sectional research employing the relational survey model, a subtype of the general survey model, to examine the relationships among variables. Data were collected from 410 women aged 18 to 25 who voluntarily participated in the study in Bart & imath;n University, T & uuml;rkiye. The data collection tools included the Participant Information Form, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale. Data were gathered online via Google Forms between June and December 2022. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 24, and statistical procedures including correlation analysis, simple linear regression, mediation, and moderation analyses were conducted to test the research hypotheses. Results A significant relationship was found between premenstrual syndrome, traumatic birth perception, and childhood traumas. Furthermore, childhood traumas-particularly emotional and physical neglect-were found to have a mediating role in this relationship (p < 0.05). The participants' status of taking courses related to reproductive health has a moderating effect on the relationship between premenstrual syndrome and traumatic birth perception (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study highlights the significant role of childhood trauma in influencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and traumatic childbirth perception (TCP) among young women. It also emphasizes the protective effect of reproductive health education. Our findings fill a gap in the literature by exploring these interconnected factors and their impact on women's emotional well-being and maternal outcomes. The results suggest the importance of integrating trauma-informed approaches into nursing and midwifery education and providing ongoing training for healthcare professionals to better support women during reproductive periods. This research contributes to advancing preventive and supportive interventions aimed at improving maternal mental health.